1. Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center – Located at 2001 44th Street South, Fargo. Whether you are completing your 50-state quest or not, it’s a great place to start. You’ll see the original wood-chipper prop from the movie Fargo and other props and displays. They’ll give you as much information on the area and North Dakota as you want. Here’s the link.
2. Brewhalla Hotel – Brewhalla is a multifaceted stop, featuring a boutique hotel, a microbrewery, dining options, and numerous small shops offering a diverse range of products. And here’s that link. You can use this place as your home base while in Fargo. For other options, there are locally owned, unique hotels, such as the Jasper. And “hundreds” of chain hotels.
3. Newman Outdoor Field – If you are there during the baseball season, treat yourself to minor league baseball. The Redhawks have been a consistently good team over the thirty years of their existence. The Redhawks and the St. Paul Saints of Minnesota have been recognized as two of the best minor league teams. And that link is…
4. Fargo Air Museum – Recognized as a very good flight museum on the north side of Fargo. Impetus from creating and continuing may have partly come from a former Blue Angels commander who grew up in North Dakota and graduated from nearby North Dakota State University. Here’s the link.
5. Fargodome – Home of the North Dakota State University Bison football. Since 2011, the team has won the NCAA Division I FCS national title ten times. The team also won eight national titles in lower divisions before advancing to the higher division. The stadium also hosts concerts and other events. It seats 18,000 for football and can seat more for concerts and other events. Here’s the link.
6. Bonanzaville – A pioneer village recreated in West Fargo on the Cass County Fairgrounds. They have sod houses from the pioneer days, buildings from those years that have been turned into museums, churches, stores, and more for your visiting pleasure. Here’s the link for more information and the available hours.
7. Roger Maris Museum – Maris grew up in Fargo and played major league baseball in the 1950s and 60s. He held the single-season home run record for 37 years with 61 home runs, from 1961 until the record fell in 1998. West Acres Shopping Center has the museum. If you’re a baseball fan, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, it’s a great place to see baseball as it was played 50 years ago. Here’s the link to check it out.
8. The Fargo Theatre – The theatre is an Art Deco building that opened in 1926. It continued to operate regularly and in 1999, underwent a complete restoration to its early days appearance. The theatre is now a center for the arts in Fargo-Moorhead. The theatre is home to a 4-manual, 32-rank Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. The organ is owned and maintained by the Red River Theatre Organ Society, a local chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. Here’s the link to the theatre.
9. Hjemkomst Center – You will need to travel to Moorhead, MN, for this one. It’s just across the bridge. The center features a full-size replica of a Viking ship, built by Robert Asp, a guidance counselor at Moorhead High School, and a team of volunteers. The ship sailed from Duluth, MN, through the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway to Bergen, Norway. After that historic voyage, the ship returned to Moorhead to center this Cultural and Historic museum. The museum is open most days, and tours are available. A Norwegian Stave church stands next to the building, also to celebrate the Norwegian heritage. Here’s the link for the museum.

Jamestown and Steele, North Dakota

Jamestown is North Dakota’s ninth-largest city, with a population of about 16,000. Steele is a small town located near I-94, approximately 30 miles east of Bismarck.

10. World’s Largest Buffalo – Jamestown features a pioneer village and the world’s largest buffalo. It’s really an American Bison, but they are in the same family as the buffalo. The bison, native to much of the American plains, is honored here in the affiliated museum. It’s not just the statue, come and read about bison history in America. Here’s the link.
11. World’s Largest Sandhill Crane – Sandhill cranes migrate through the area every year. This crane honors these magnificent birds. The bird stands 40 feet tall in a park featuring a mix of native and non-native plants and grasses. While it’s a serious park, it’s featured in Atlas Obscura, a collection of odd, strange, unusual places, including many “World’s Largest.” Here’s that link.

Bismarck & Mandan

These two are “twin cities” on the Missouri River. Bismarck is the state capital and the larger of the two. It’s the second-largest city in ND. Bismarck’s current population is about 75,000, and Mandan’s is about 25,000. The metro area has a population of about 135,000. The Missouri River is a significant draw for water recreation events in the area. Bismarck’s draw includes museums and a zoo. The state capital is a vibrant community with much more to do than is included here. Here’s a link to learn more about local activities and attractions.

12. North Dakota State Capitol – Rising majestically with 21 stories, this stunning Art Deco building from the 1930s is affectionately known as “The Skyscraper on the Prairie.” Despite being the tallest habitable structure in the state, it stands out in a place where wide-open spaces usually encourage spreading out rather than building up. Unlike many traditional state capitols, this unique building breaks the mold with its distinctive design. Visitors can explore its history and architecture through guided tours, making it a must-see landmark that beautifully blends height and heritage on the expansive prairie. Here’s the link for the State Capital activities. You will also find other attractions in the area on the site.
13. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Situated along the Missouri River, it’s the oldest state park in North Dakota. It offers insight into the lives of the Mandan Native Americans who lived along the river, as well as the historic fort, to see what life was like for the soldiers who lived here in the 1800s. You’ll see blockhouses, furnished barracks, and officers’ quarters on a tour. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders see the breathtaking views of the Missouri and Heart Rivers. And, you can fish the shorelines of both rivers. Here’s the link.
14. Dakota Zoo – The zoo features more than 600 animals of 125 species. Alligators, bison, and mountain lions co-exist with bears and eagles. In addition, the zoo offers a train ride that allows visitors to see much of what it has to offer. You can also visit the Discovery Center for hands-on learning about the environment. And the obligatory link!
15. Garrison Dam – North of Bismarck, you’ll see Lake Sakakawea, named for the native women who led the Lewis and Clark expedition through North Dakota and Montana and on to the Pacific Ocean in what is now Oregon. The dam protects Bismarck-Mandan and other places downstream from flooding. Here’s the link. The resulting lake is 178 miles long and up to 14 miles wide in places. The dam has a power plant that generates electricity for homes and businesses in several states. Here’s the link.
16. Lake Sakakawea State Park – Nestled on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, the third-largest man-made reservoir in the United States, Lake Sakakawea State Park offers visitors stunning lakeshore views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sandy swim beach, camp under the shade of towering trees, or explore scenic hiking trails, the park has something for everyone. For those who love water sports, the expansive 368,000-acre lake is perfect for sailing and windsurfing, especially with North Dakota’s famous steady winds providing ideal conditions. This beautiful park is a true outdoor haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. And let’s go with another link.
17. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center – The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center stands as a vibrant gateway to the rich history and culture of the Northern Plains. Located where the famous expedition first encountered the Mandan and Hidatsa villages in 1804, the center offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history. While Lewis and Clark are the most well-known visitors, they were just one of many who came to this area seeking knowledge, trade, and connection with the indigenous peoples.
    Today, visitors to the center can explore engaging exhibits filled with hundreds of period artifacts and world-class art collections that bring the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to life. Friendly and knowledgeable interpreters guide guests through the history, sharing compelling stories that deepen understanding of the expedition’s impact and the cultures they encountered. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center offers an unforgettable journey into the past on the Northern Plains. And, of course, the link.
18. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum – Welcome to North Dakota’s largest museum, where history comes alive across four fascinating galleries! Here, you can journey through time, from the state’s earliest geologic beginnings 600 million years ago to the present day. The museum’s beautifully designed spaces highlight the stories of North Dakota’s people, its stunning landscapes, and the exciting growth shaping its future. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about the region, this museum offers an immersive experience that celebrates the past, present, and future of the Peace Garden State. Let’s take a look at the link to the Heritage Center.

New Salem, Regent, and Dickinson

Two small towns, and Dickinson is somewhat larger, with a college and a museum featuring dinosaurs. The current population is about 25,000.

19. Salem Sue – In a nod to the local dairy industry, Salem Sue is a world-record fiberglass Holstein cow. She stands on a hill overlooking New Salem and the surrounding countryside. For more details on Sue, please visit this link.
20. The Enchanted Highway – The Enchanted Highway in North Dakota is a must-see roadside attraction that begins at Exit 72 on I-94 near Gladstone and stretches 32 miles south to the charming town of Regent. This scenic route is famous for its impressive collection of enormous, whimsical metal sculptures that capture the imagination and celebrate the spirit of the region. As you drive along, you’ll encounter these unique works of art set against the backdrop of wide-open plains, making for a memorable and picturesque journey through the heart of North Dakota.
    Currently, there are eight sculptures, with six of them in the second part of the drive. Along with the eight already here, two more are currently planned. Others will be built as more funds and more plans become available. Here’s the link to learn more about this unique highway.
21. Dickinson, ND – Once known mainly for cattle and oil, Dickinson, North Dakota, has grown into so much more. Today, it’s home to a world-class dinosaur museum, unique shopping experiences, and is just a stone’s throw from the stunning Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). And if you can’t see it all in one visit, no worries—you’ll always have a great reason to come back! Here’s the link to the Badlands Dinosaur Museum.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora

Medora and TRNP are about 25 miles from Montana. The park has two units, north and south. Medora is a historic town that is a tourist base for the park and the surrounding area. Here are a few places to visit while in the area. TR spent time here and very much enjoyed the wide open spaces and the general feel of the Badlands and the surrounding area that became TRNP. It’s likely one of the reasons that TR became such a big supporter of national parks and preservation of natural resources.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is scheduled to open in Medora on July 4, 2026. The current Presidential Library system started with Herbert Hoover after TR’s time. Currently, there are 13 libraries, with each one dedicated to a president from Hoover in Iowa to George W. Bush in Texas. The Barack Obama Presidential Center is under construction in Chicago. It’s not part of the traditional National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) system, making it the first presidential library since Calvin Coolidge not to be federally owned.

22. Theodore Roosevelt National Park – Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota is a breathtaking tribute to the 26th president of the United States and his passion for conservation. The park’s rugged badlands and sweeping prairies offer a glimpse into the landscape that inspired Roosevelt’s dedication to preserving America’s natural beauty. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, enjoy scenic drives, and take in panoramic views of the dramatic terrain. The park’s unique geology and striking vistas make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with the wild spirit of the American West.
    
    Beyond its stunning landscapes, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. Bison roam freely alongside wild horses, elk, and prairie dogs, providing incredible opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. A visit here is a memorable journey into the heart of America’s rugged frontier and the conservation legacy of one of its greatest leaders.
    Check out the TRNP website.
23. Medora Musical – If you’re visiting North Dakota during the summer months, the Medora Musical is an absolute must-see! Set against the stunning backdrop of the rugged Badlands, this outdoor musical extravaganza brings the spirit of the Old West to life with lively performances, colorful costumes, and toe-tapping music.
    The show celebrates the history and culture of the region, telling stories of Theodore Roosevelt, cowboys, and pioneers through a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and spectacular choreography. It’s a family-friendly experience that captures the essence of the American frontier while showcasing local talent and vibrant community spirit.
    Held in the charming town of Medora, the musical is part of a larger experience that includes historic sites, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park nearby. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for some good old-fashioned entertainment under the stars, the Medora Musical offers an unforgettable night filled with fun, music, and a true taste of North Dakota’s western heritage. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic summer tradition!
    Here’s the link to the musical.
24. Chateau de Mores State Historic Site – Nestled in the charming town of Medora, North Dakota, the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site offers a captivating glimpse into the ambitious life of French aristocrat Marquis de Mores, who built this elegant 26-room chateau in 1883 with hopes of revolutionizing the cattle industry in the rugged Badlands. Blending European sophistication with frontier spirit, the beautifully preserved home features period furnishings and fascinating artifacts that tell the story of the Marquis and his family, while exhibits explore the broader history of the region and the challenges of settling the American West. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and close to attractions like Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Medora Musical, the Chateau de Mores is a must-visit destination for history buffs and travelers eager to experience a unique chapter of North Dakota’s past.
    Check out the website here.
25. Pitchfork Steak Fondue – If you’re visiting Medora, North Dakota, don’t miss the chance to experience the quirky and delicious Pitchfork Fondue—a unique dining tradition that perfectly captures the fun spirit of this western town. This communal meal features a hearty spread of meats, cheeses, and vegetables served with dipping sauces, all enjoyed around a large pitchfork-shaped table. It’s a lively, interactive way to share a meal with friends and family while soaking in the rustic charm of Medora. Whether you’re a foodie looking for something different or just want to enjoy a memorable evening after a day exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Pitchfork Fondue is a tasty and entertaining highlight you won’t want to miss! Here’s the link.

Continue your trip around North Dakota

When reading about North Dakota visitors, especially those visiting all 50 states, much of what they see, want to see, or “should” see is in the places mentioned above. Here, I’ll delve into more that regularly come up as places visited or recommendations from residents and those who’ve seen much of the state. From Medora, you’ll go north toward the Bakken Oil Field and then east back across the state.

26. Williston – This small city is a vibrant destination that perfectly combines outdoor adventure, rich history, and family-friendly fun. History buffs will appreciate exploring iconic sites like Fort Union Trading Post, Fort Buford State Historic Site, and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, each offering fascinating insights into the area’s significant past. For those who love the outdoors, Lake Sakakawea provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, while numerous nature trails invite visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning North Dakota landscape. Whether you’re seeking educational experiences or outdoor excitement, Williston has something to offer every traveler. And the link.
    In the Williston, North Dakota area, the McKenzie County Heritage Park and North Dakota Oil Museum, located in nearby Watford City, is a museum that directly focuses on the history of the oil industry in the region, including the Bakken field.
27. Minot – This city is the fourth largest in North Dakota and is “next up” when you leave Williston. It has a population of almost 50,000 and is home to some of the oil boom servicing companies. Below are a couple of places to visit if you are here at the right time. Here’s a link to Minot tourism.
28. Norsk Hostfest – Norsk Hostfest in Minot, North Dakota, is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America, celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Held every fall, this lively event features authentic food, traditional music and dance, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities that bring the spirit of the Nordic countries to life. Whether you’re exploring heritage crafts or enjoying a folk dance performance, Norsk Hostfest offers a fun and festive way to experience Scandinavian culture right in the heart of North Dakota.
29. North Dakota State Fair – The state fair has been here since 1922. The fair attracts about 300,000 people. As with all state fairs, it focuses on the state’s agriculture. Check out the fair at this link.

North Central North Dakota

After leaving Minot, make these next stops. Or, if you came here from another direction, the folks here will welcome you anyway! Let’s proceed to the first recommended stop.

30. W’eel Turtle – I had to include a quirky stop on this trip. After all, those are some of my favorites! This one stands beside a truck stop in Dunseith. It’s made of hundreds of junked tire rims. This is the link to the W’eel Turtle. The creation celebrates the nearby Turtle Mountains. The “mountains” stand about 300 to 400 feet above the surrounding area. As you view them, they can appear to be a turtle. Here’s a link to a scenic drive through the area.
31. Lake Metigoshe State Park – The park surrounds much of Lake Metigoshe. Approximately 10% of the lake is located in Canada, which also features a provincial park on its north side. In addition to typical lake activities, the park preserves several structures from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programs. Here’s the link.
32. International Peace Garden – The garden celebrates the world’s longest unprotected border between the US and Canada. It lies in both countries and is accessible from both sides. Many people make the trip here as a destination in itself. The garden is beautiful and provides activities to keep you here all day! When you return, you will go through US Customs (or Canadian customs) to re-enter the country for the rest of your trip. The link gives you more information about the Garden and includes details for visitors, including documents required for reentry into your respective country upon departure from the Garden.
33. The Geographic Center of North America – Rugby, ND claims it. Since 1930, a monument cries out with the statement. In recent years, other areas have come to doubt the claim. Check out the debate here on CBS News article.
34. Devils Lake – Check out North Dakota’s largest natural lake. The lake has fishing and other recreational activities. The lake doesn’t have a natural outlet until it reaches an elevation of 1458 feet above sea level. The lake has not reached that elevation in over 1000 years. Here’s a more technical explanation about the lake.
    “Under normal conditions, Devils Lake is shallow, saline, and highly eutrophic (high in nutrients). During periods of excessive precipitation, however, the lake can be up to 60 ft (18 m) deep, eutrophic (rich in minerals, nutrients, and organisms), with decreased salinity due to dilution.”
    If you want more details, check out this fact sheet.

Cooperstown, Grand Forks and return to Fargo

Grand Forks is North Dakota’s third-largest city, with a population of nearly 60,000 and a metro population of over 100,000. With the presence of the University of North Dakota as its largest employer, this is a “college town.” Here’s the link to Grand Forks tourism. By the way, there is also an Air Force base.

35. Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site – This location in Cooperstown tells the story of the Cold War years in North Dakota. “Back in the day,” I once heard that if ND were to secede from the US, it would be the fourth leading nuclear power! Here’s a link to the website for more information.
36. Ralph Engelstad Arena – This is the home arena for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks Division I NCAA hockey program. Many believe it’s a better hockey arena than some of the arenas that serve National Hockey League professional teams. (By the way, UND sports teams were formerly named the Fighting Sioux, and many fans still refer to the teams that way!) Here’s the link to “The Ralph” as it’s commonly known!

If you are making the whole tour as outlined here, it’s time to head south for 80 miles on Interstate 29 to Fargo, where all the fun began!

I hope you enjoy your visit to North Dakota. If you did “Save the Best for Last,” I’m sure you enjoyed capping off your 50-state visits! And that’s “Why you should love North Dakota!”

Please send me your comments on additional places to see and your feedback on the places I’ve included here. Here’s the link to send information to me.

Thank you for reading and for any comments you have.

Classic Rock Recollection

“North Dakota” by Chris Knight (More country than rock)

And I poured some stale coffee from the pot
The longer I waited, the snow got higher
So I split some wood and built a fire
She told me she’d be gone, I forgot

Songwriter: Lyle Pearce Lovett / Willis Alan Ramsey

#thedrivebytourist #the-driveby-tourist #minnesotablogger